Introduction to Cells

Discovery

• Robert Hooke discovered the cell using a compound light microscope in 1653.

• What he saw looked like small boxes so he called them “CELLS”

The Cell Theory

1. The cell is the basic unit of structure and function for ALL of life.

2. All living organisms are composed of AT LEAST 1 cell.

3. EVERY cell comes from a pre-existing cell.

Cell Organization

• There is a specific order to the way organisms are made up.

Cells Tissues Organs Organ System

Osteocytes Bone Tissue Bone Skeleton

How do cells work?

• Cells are made of smaller working units– These are called ORGANELLES

– Each organelle has a specific function within the cell.– Each organelle contributes to the overall working of the

cell. Each one is VERY important!

How do cells work?

• Each cell has a specific shape and size

• The shape and size of a cell relates to its function or job.

Cell Size and Scale

• http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/cells/scale/